The legacy of Chadwick Boseman lives on.

Actor Chadwick Boseman, greatly known for his roles as T’Challa in the “Black Panther” as well as Jackie Robinson in “42,” has passed after fighting a four year long battle of colon cancer on Aug. 28. 

Persisting through the surgeries and chemotherapy, Boseman gifted the world multiple star-making performances.  

The roles portrayed by Chadwick Boseman in his numerous films empowered the African American community as well as the movie industry. Black Panther was the first superhero movie centered around African culture. Boseman was an inspiration to many African Americans and was seen as a representative of the community.

In movies, “42” and “Marshall,” Chadwick Boseman represented prominent Black Americans in history, Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall.  His roles in these blockbuster American films left a strong sense of Black accreditation throughout the country.

Boseman died of stage 4 colon cancer surrounded by his family.  His death left the entire world shocked and astounded as he kept his condition a secret. Notable figures, such as his fellow Marvel co-stars Mark Ruffalo who portrayed Hulk and Michael B. Jordan, paid tribute through tweets on Twitter and posts on Instagram.   

“Chadwick Boseman’s death left me and the entire world in shock and in sadness.  His character Black Panther in the Marvel films was loved by so many and will be truly missed,” said senior John Legaspi.

The statement reported by his publicist said, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.”  He will be missed.

“The Death of Chadwick Boseman was extremely sad.  As a Black person, you don’t see a lot of representation in the media. The only time you see someone like you is as the comic relief, criminal, or some other stereotype. For me, he was one of the first people that looked like me and wasn’t a stereotype.  His death was just so sad because the Black community lost another beautiful soul,” said Elom Attipoe, a member of the Black Student Union.